New Loan Money Available to Merrimack Valley Businesses

As small business owners remain without gas in Merrimack Valley after last month's fires and explosions, they are getting some much-needed help.

(Published Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2018)

Small business owners still without gas across the Merrimack Valley are getting some much-needed help.

Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker announced Wednesday that the $1 million emergency loan fund that's almost exhausted is being replenished with $2 million.

For the owners of Yella Grille, it's been a long 42 days since the gas explosions. They haven't been able to open, but on Wednesday, they told NBC10 Boston they can finally see light at the end of the tunnel.

"There have been a lot of ups and down," said Danielle Berdahn.

Small Business Loan Program Opens Monday

Businesses struggling in the aftermath of the Merrimack Valley gas explosions can apply for loans beginning Monday.

(Published Monday, Sept. 1, 2018)

Danielle and her husband, Carlo, have been serving up Mediterranean favorites for years before Sept. 13.

"We had a pressurized gas fire in the kitchen," Danielle Berdahn said. "It was scary."

Since then, the once thriving restaurant hasn't made a penny in revenue.

A Santander spokesperson issued a statement to NBC10 Boston late Wednesday afternoon, saying that they were not able to respond to the loan program request before the deadline.

"We're committed to supporting the communities where we live and work and have a long history of doing so, including in the Lawrence community," the statement read, in part. "We're happy to share that we're committing $100,000 to this new effort, which is in addition to the $100,000 we previously donated to the Essex County Community Foundation's Greater Lawrence Disaster Relief Fund in the immediate aftermath of these tragic fires and explosions."

Rivera told NBC10 Boston he was "thrilled" to hear about Santander's commitment.

Santander noted that customers can call 1-877-768-2265 for more information.

As for the Berdahns, they say their business, crippled by closed doors and lost income, will survive — partly thanks to the loan, but mostly because of their community.

"We know that Andover will come together and support Yella because that's the kind of place this is," Danielle Berdahn said.

The family is hoping to reopen on Nov. 13, the ninth anniversary of the very first time Yella opened its doors to the public.